About Us
About Plant SynBio Australia (PSBA)
PSBA is a landmark national research infrastructure network, enabled by a $20 million investment from the Commonwealth Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). This forms part of a larger $55M ‘Step Change’ initiative to propel Australian synthetic biology research in industrial, agricultural, and medical fields. The network, managed by the non-profit Bioplatforms Australia, has nodes at the University of Adelaide, Australian National University, La Trobe University, and the University of Western Australia.
Plant SynBio at the Australian National University
The Plant SynBio Australia node at the Australian National University is a national hub dedicated to engineering the future of agriculture. We deploy advanced plant synthetic biology to develop more efficient, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems for key crops like oilseeds, cereals, and legumes.
Our mission is to harness the power of synthetic biology to tackle grand challenges in sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and the biomanufacturing of high-value products.
Our Research & Service Focus
We provide end-to-end capabilities and expertise to accelerate innovation for research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners. Our work integrates seamlessly with national facilities like the Australian Plant Phenomics Network and Bioplatforms Australia.
Core Capabilities Include:
- Advanced Genetic Engineering: Gene editing, transgenesis, and transformation services for multiple crop species.
- Full Pipeline Support: From designing molecular components and transient expression systems to omics-based evaluation and regulatory compliance.
- Scale-Up & Testing: Controlled environment testing, scale-up, and field trials through strategic partnerships.
- Specialist Platforms: Access to cutting-edge equipment, expertise in molecular componentry, and stable transformation platforms.
Driving Commercialisation & Collaboration
We are committed to translating research into real-world impact. Our initiative actively supports the growth of Australia's agri-tech sector by:
- Providing incubation space and collaboration opportunities for startups.
- Offering a "research hotel" model for researchers and industry to work and train within our facility.
- Addressing key bottlenecks in the commercial pipeline, including freedom-to-operate and regulatory pathways.
Our Impact
This strategic investment is designed to deliver a step-change in Australian plant synthetic biology. By leveraging advanced breeding technologies and synthetic biology tools, we aim to:
- Create climate-resilient crops and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Enable the plant-based production of biomaterials, fuels, and pharmaceuticals.
- Provide Australian researchers and industry with globally competitive, accessible infrastructure and expertise.
Whether you are a student looking for research opportunities, a business seeking innovation partnerships, or an individual interested in our work, we invite you to explore our website and get involved with Plant SynBio ANU. Together, we can unlock the possibilities of the future and make a positive impact on the world.